Repudiation and Denial of Access in TCM Building Group Pty Ltd v Grossi
In the world of domestic building disputes, it’s often the seemingly small decisions, such as refusing access for rectification, ignoring a progress certificate, or overlooking a notice requirement, that end up steering the entire outcome. The recent VCAT decision in TCM Building Group Pty Ltd v Grossi [2025] VCAT 941 (24 October 2025) is a […]
Res Judicata and Estoppel in Australian Immigration Law
In immigration litigation, one question quietly shapes countless cases: When is a matter truly over? Australia’s migration system is complex and multilayered, with decisions on visa refusals, cancellations, and protection applications often subject to merits review before the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) and, in some instances, further scrutiny by the courts. This structure creates multiple avenues […]
Australia’s New Combatting Antisemitism and Hate Laws Explained
An important yet controversial pieces of legislation to recently have crossed Australia’s landscape is the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Act 2026 (the Act). While lauded by many as a critical instrument to combat the increasingly pervasive antisemitism and religious vilification seen in our society, many commentaries have also erupted against it, arguing that it is […]
ACNC Review Offers Roadmap For Complex Charity Structures
Complex organisational structures are becoming increasingly common in Australia’s charity sector, and the ACNC has now provided its clearest insight yet into how charities are managing them. The regulator’s latest review from 20 October 2025 looked closely at charities operating through groups of multiple entities and found that, despite the challenges, many are navigating this […]
Expert Evidence in Building Disputes and Why You Need It
Introduction When something goes wrong with building or renovation works, most homeowners assume the problem will be simple to prove: the work is defective, so the builder must fix it. But construction disputes are rarely that straightforward. Whether the issue involves water ingress, structural cracking, incomplete works, poor workmanship, or cost blowouts, you will almost always need an […]
What Is A Calderbank Offer?
Introduction Litigation is expensive, stressful and unpredictable, which is why smart parties look for opportunities to settle early. One of the most powerful tools to encourage settlement (and protect yourself on costs if things head south) is a Calderbank offer. Named after the English case Calderbank v Calderbank [1975] 3 All ER 333 (Calderbank v Calderbank), […]
Federal Court Imposes $5.8 Million Penalty for Serious Privacy Act Breaches Following Cyberattack
Australian Information Commissioner v Australian Clinical Labs Limited (No 2) [2025] FCA 1224 The Federal Court of Australia has handed down a significant penalty of $5,800,000 after finding that a healthcare provider committed multiple serious breaches of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) arising from a major cyberattack in early 2022. The decision underscores […]
ACNC Releases Updated Guidance on Public Benevolent Institutions
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has released a new version of its Commissioner’s Interpretation Statement on Public Benevolent Institutions (PBIs), marking the most significant update to the guidance since 2016. Published on 29 September 2025, the revised Statement outlines how the ACNC currently interprets the law governing PBI registration, an area of charity […]
County Court Releases New Commercial Law Division Practice Note PNCO 1-2025
The County Court’s Commercial Law Division has introduced significant procedural reforms through Practice Note PNCO 1-2025, published on 4 August and in force from 1 September 2025. These changes reshape how commercial matters are prepared, managed and resolved, with a clear focus on efficiency, proportionality and early dispute resolution. Below is a short overview of […]
When Defect Claims Meet Legal Reality: Lessons from Owners Corp v Devakon
Owners Corporation PS801173C v Devakon Pty Ltd [2025] VCAT 830 What happens when apartment owners claim nearly $1 million in building defects, only for the Tribunal to decide that most of those issues either weren’t defects at all, or simply didn’t warrant costly repairs? This Victorian case shows that in building disputes, it’s not about […]